Murray is the only player in the men's top 10 to have a female coach and his decision to appoint Mauresmo, a former world number one and Wimbledon winner, will be closely scrutinized over the coming weeks as the Scot prepares to defend his Wimbledon title.

The surprise move has provoked differing opinions in the tennis community.

17-time Grand Slam singles champion Roger Federer - "I think it is very interesting. I always enjoyed watching her play and she is a true professional. So from that standpoint, I think it's a great choice and I hope they're going to be a successful team together."

12-time Grand Slam singles champion Billie Jean King - "It is not the gender of the coach that is important, it is the strength of the relationship between the coach and the player that will make the partnership work. Women have coached men for years, going back to Bobby Riggs and Eleanor Tennant."

Former world number one Jim Courier - "It's a bold call, certainly an interesting one. Amelie knows her tennis and time will tell whether it turns out to be a good match. It's bold, it's fun, it's something we're all going to be talking about and good for Andy."

18-time Grand Slam singles champion Martina Navratilova - "An interesting call by Andy Murray. Cool to see a woman coaching a top guy. Hope it works out for them."

Brad Gilbert, one of Murray's former coaches - "I think this is good news for Murray. She should be a calming influence.

"She was a smart player with an outstanding knowledge of the game who brings a fresh perspective and I think she will add a lot to Andy's team."